Officials Say Victim in Saco, Maine House Explosion Started Fire

Fire Safety Spokesperson Steve McCausland told WCSH6 that the explosion early Tuesday morning was triggered intentionally by the victim.

The man who was killed after his home exploded in Saco, Maine early Tuesday morning may have started the fire, according to fire officials.

Fire Safety Spokesperson Steve McCausland told WCSH6 that he believes the explosion on Pheasant Street was triggered intentionally by 71-year-old Stephen Laughton. He said that there were several propane tanks inside the mobile home that may have been set off by the fire.

His neighbor Robert Eclair said he and his wife heard what sounded like an earthquake and looked out to see the trailer up in flames around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

The couple also heard popping sounds during the fire, possible from ammunition stored in the home.

Most of the home was destroyed along with two vehicles that were parked outside.

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